Kade R. Knoup

Kade Robert Knoup

June 12, 2001 - September 10, 2026

Kade Robert Knoup, 25, of Pearl City, Illinois, passed away on September 10, 2026.

Kade was born June 12, 2001, at Freeport Memorial Hospital to Rob and Chris Knoup. He grew up in Pearl City and graduated from Pearl City High School in 2019.

Kade was quiet and shy by nature, but those who knew him best knew just how funny he was. He was loyal, kind, hardworking, and had a smile you won't forget. Kade loved his family and friends deeply and was an avid Chicago Bears and Michigan State fan.

Service was an important part of Kade's life from a young age. He earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout and later joined the United States Air Force. His military career included three years stationed in Germany and, most recently, Great Falls, Montana. At the time of his passing, Kade was transitioning from active-duty Air Force service to the National Guard in Springfield, Illinois.

Kade had also been a member of the Pearl City Fire Department before entering the Air Force, following in the footsteps of his dad and grandpa. When he returned home in August, he rejoined the department and once again began serving the community he called home. It was a fitting continuation of Kade's lifelong commitment to service.

Kade knew the true meaning of brotherhood. He found it thousands of miles away with his Air Force buddies who became family and right here at home with lifelong friends. The bonds he formed were genuine and lasting, and his friendships meant the world to him.

Kade leaves behind his parents, Rob and Chris Knoup; his sister, Brinkley; his grandparents, Bob and Sharon Knoup, John "Little John" Hawes, and Karen Aurand; his special friend, Tia Clark; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, Air Force brothers, fellow firefighters, and friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Rick Aurand, and his grandmother, Mary Ellen Aurand.

Kade's life was much too short, but the impact he made cannot be measured in years. He served his country, served his community, loved his family, and treasured his friendships. And in the end, Kade continued to serve others.

Through the gift of organ donation, Kade gave four people the gift of life, with the possibility of helping even more. While the miracle his family prayed for did not come in the way they desperately hoped, Kade became someone else's miracle. His legacy will continue through the lives he saved and the many lives he touched during his 25 years.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Simply Free Church, 25460 Locust Road, Lanark, Illinois. Funeral services will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kade Knoup Memorial Fund at State Bank of Pearl City. Kade had many passions, and his family hopes to honor him by supporting the people, organizations, and causes that meant something to him.

He was a son. A brother. A grandson. A friend. An Airman. A firefighter. An Eagle Scout. And, in the end, a lifesaver.

That is Kade's legacy.